Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra flagged off in Manipur, Rahul Gandhi targets PM over ethnic strife in state

The much talked about Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was flagged off today at Thoubal in Manipur. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi formally flagged off the Yatra during an event at Khongjom in Thoubal. 

The event attended by several national and regional Congress leaders saw Rahul Gandhi inaugurate the Yatra while targeting the BJP government over the prevailing scenario in the state. 

Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi talked about the situation in Manipur and what he saw during his visit to the state amidst the troubled scenario.

"I'm in politics since 2004 and for the first time I visited a place in India where the entire infrastructure of governance has collapsed. After 29th June, Manipur wasn't Manipur anymore, it got divided and hatred was spread everywhere, lakhs of people suffered loss. People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes. And till now, the Indian PM has not come here to wipe your tears and hold your hand. It is a shameful thing. Maybe for PM Modi, BJP and RSS, Manipur is not a part of India," said Gandhi. 

Rahul Gandhi also said that Manipur today has become a symbol of BJP's hate politics today. 

"Manipur is a symbol of BJP's politics, Manipur is a symbol of BJP and RSS's hatred. Manipur is a symbol of BJP's viewpoint and ideology," said the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi further said that the Congress party will ensure that peace returns to the troubled state of Manipur. 

"You (people) have lost what you have valued but we will find what you have valued once again and bring it back to you. We understand the pain the people of Manipur have been through. We understand the hurt, the loss and the sadness you have been through. We promise you that we will bring back what you have valued, we will bring back the harmony, the peace, the affection that this state has always been known for," said Gandhi. 

The day's itinerary includes a break at Koirengei Bazar in Imphal and an overnight stay at the Koujengleima Sports Association Football Ground in Imphal's Sekmai. 

Congress has clarified that the motive behind the yatra is to end the "anyay kaal" (era of injustice) under the Narendra Modi-led government, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. 

Rahul Gandhi, leading the Yatra over 67 days, aims to engage with different societal groups, including farmers, laborers, Dalits, tribals, among others. 

The transformative yatra is set to cover 6,713 km in buses and on foot, passing through 100 Lok Sabha constituencies in 15 states, spanning 110 districts over 67 days. The march is anticipated to conclude in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.